Maulana Asmatullah later staged a walkout in protest against the passage of the bill, saying that this legislation was not in conformity with the Holy Quran and would give superiority to the women over men. Parliamentarians from across the political divide owned the legislation and said that this was the first step in the right direction for the protection of the rights of the women.
Speaking after the passage of bill, Sherry Rehman said that the bill was introduced in the Parliament after taking into confidence all the stakeholders, civil society and accommodating viewpoint of the people of all walks of life. She also mentioned those who have tried to obstruct the legislation without naming them and dismissed the viewpoint of Maulana Asmatullah that the bill was aimed at giving superiority to the women over male. In fact, she said, the legislation protects the rights of men also. Sherry said that those who were opposed to the legislation are taking the credit. The law minister has also supported the legislation eventually, she said, adding that under the law institution have to set up committees within thirty days.
Riaz Pirzada of PML-Q, Bushra Gohar of Awami National Party (ANP), Aftab Sheikh of Pakistan Muslim League and Shehnaz Wazir Ali besides many other parliamentarians congratulated the government, all the political parties and the House for adopting the landmark legislation that would protect the rights of women.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan speaking after the passage of bill said that the bill passed by the House was continuation of the efforts made by the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto for the rights of women. The Minister said that during the previous government of Benazir Bhutto separate police stations and bank for women were established. The Minister said this was the second landmark legislation the House adopted during the ongoing session after the Public defender. Babar Awan claimed that there was no danger to the Parliament and it would complete its tenure of five years. He maintained that people wanted this system to continue.
The bill is aimed at creating a safe working environment for women free of harassment, abuse and intimidation with a view toward fulfilment of their right to work with dignity. The legislation would also enable higher productivity and a better quality of life at work. According to statement of objects and reasons, the harassment is one of the biggest hurdles faced by working women preventing many, who want to work to get themselves and their families out of poverty.
The Bill will open the path for women to participate fully in the development of this country at all levels and is constructed on the principles of equal opportunity for women and their right to earn a livelihood without fear of discrimination as stipulated in the Constitution. The legislation complies with the Government's commitment to high international labour standards and empowerment of women.
It also adheres to the Human Rights' Declaration, the United Nation's Convention for Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women and ILO's convention 100, and 111 on workers' rights. It adheres to the principles of Islam and all other religions in our country which assure women's dignity.
The Bill requires all public and private organisations to adopt an internal Code of Conduct and a complain/appeals mechanism aimed at establishing a safe working environment, free of intimidation and abuse, for all working women. It shall also establish an Ombudsman at Federal and provincial levels.